Bumper Guards 1970 280SL

[TJMart]

Ready to install front and rear bumper guards. Where is the proper placement on the front and rear bumper? Is it best to remove the bumpers? Any tips to avoid costly mistakes?

Thanks in advance!

[Mike K]

I did the opposite last year and removed the bumper guards. There was no need to remove the bumpers to do this, I plugged the holes with chrome bolts.
Do your bumpers not have the holes drilled for the bumper guards? If you've got to drill the holes, then yes, it would be prudent to remove the bumpers.

I can measure the distance along the bumpers for the holes and let you have the measurements tomorrow.

Best,

Mike

[TJMart]

Mike,

Yeah my bumpers do not have holes so I will drill some. I assume the measurements will be to the center of the holes drilled?

Thanks!

Tony

[Garry]

A lot of people prefer no bumper guards so that it has the clean look as designed originally and not to US spec.  You sure you want to drill the bumpers and put them on?

[hauser]

I almost did the same but changed my mind at the last minute.  I'm so happy I didn't do it.  Like Gary said it's so much cleaner without them.

[Mike K]

The car looks so much "cleaner" since I removed the bumper guards, I fully agree with Garry and Hauser. 

If you do decide to go ahead and fit the bumper guards here are the measurements & pics, I hope they make sense....

Best,
Mike

[TJMart]

Mike,

Thanks for the measurements! Yeah I understand that these guards create a lot of discussion.  I guess it comes down to personal preference. I will make sure before I start drilling

Tony

[gwuisman]

I have a US spec Pagoda and had to redo the bumpers. I considered attaching the bumper guards again until my son strongly asked me not to do so. He argued that you always can and them if the 'pure' bumpers would not please me. I am grateful for his advice. I like my car much more now.

Gerard Wuisman

[Shvegel]

I have a set with holes I would trade for one without.  I bought the reproduction set but would still rather have the factory ones.  Mine are perfectly straight.  Chrome is ok but not show.

[TJMart]

Chrome on mine is excellent. Re done a few years back.

Tony

[Shvegel]

Tony,
Got busy at work and didn't see your reply.  Are you interested in a trade?  I need to dig mine out and take some pictures.  Otherwise I will be doing the opposite and having my holes welded shut and the bumpers re-chromed.

[TJMart]

Not interested in trade. My bumpers are in excellent condition.  Thanks for the offer.

Tony

[ohoraherecaptain]

Hi Tony. Just back tracking and wondering if you are interested in selling your Guards?
JOH.

[TJMart]

I decided to keep them and install later.

Thanks

Tony

[Michaelg]

DONT DO IT  :-

[Benz Dr.]

Kind of like white wall tires only a little more of a problem to change later on.   Personally, I prefer black walls, no bumper guards, and no side marker lights.

[johnm]

Got rid of my bumper guards. Much better look. Use them as ash trays now with a well deserved cigar after a long day of re-assembly. They may go back on some day but not for now.